SPORTS MEDICINE

The Medical Director of Ironman South Africa is Dr. Tim Noakes, perhaps the world's leading expert on hydration, dehydration, hyponatremia, and associated topic, in endurance athletes. It is therefore not surprising that this race is a hub of sport's medicine research and knowledge.

At this past year's Ironman SA athletes were weighed at registration and before and after the event. A selected number of athletes also agreed to have more extensive tests involving muscle biopsies. All athletes were informed their change in weight, percent dehydration, and the average dehydration for the group. Athletes who had muscle biopsies were given a report back on their fibre type composition and glycogen levels with an explanation thereof. These results are the basis for future published studies.

Another research study -- optional for participants -- was a metabolic study on athletes' diets-- each of which was analyzed, with feedback given. The Salt Ingestion study was sent to Dr. Dale Speedy -- an exercise scientist from New Zealand -- to be analyzed. The Sports Science Institute is in the final stages of its analysis. The most common question asked was about cramping and salt intake: Some athletes who experienced cramping were given salt tablets to ingest. Afterwards they were asked if this helped (generally their replies were that yes, they feel better).

For the 2001 event there will be a few selected athletes chosen by the SSI for more research where the fluid intake will be monitored at the start of the event; at the end of the bike; at the start of the run; again during the run; and at the end of the event.

SPORTSMED DEVELOPMENTS FOR IM SA 2001

Continous reporting for TV and Internet viewers of exact location, speed heart rate etc. of some selected participants
Auto sensing and reporting of amount of fluid intake during the cycle and run
Some new tests, including regular testing of weight to determine hydration levels etc

OTHER TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS FOR IM SA 2001

Multiple web cams for extensive race coverage via the Internet
Pre race web cam viewing of the build up to the event, including web cams in the race hotel foyer and at the race briefings.
Regular progress monitoring for all participants, allowing internet and mobiles
Short message service based enquiries and updates for friends and family around the world
Immediate reporting of name, country, time and position in age group on big screens at the finish and just before the finish
Long range high speed transponders on bikes, without requiring mats – the normal chips will be used especially for the swim, transition and run, using the bike transponders will allow more timing points to be set up, allowing us to time various sections etc.
Participants will receive a detailed post race report indicating more than normal information, such as many split times, weight change during the race progress, etc.





		G	t SPORTS MEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY The Medical Director of Ironman South Africa is Dr. Tim Noakes, perhaps the world's leading expert on hydration, dehydration, hyponatremia, and associated topic, in endurance athletes. It is therefore not surprising that this race is a hub of sport's medicine research and knowledge. At this past year's Ironman SA athletes were weighed at registration and before and after the event. A selected number of athletes also agreed to have more extensive tests involving muscle biopsies. All athletes were informed their change in weight, percent dehydration, and the average dehydration for the group. Athletes who had muscle biopsies were given a report back on their fibre type composition and glycogen levels with an explanation thereof. These results are the basis for future published studies. Another research study -- optional for participants -- was a metabolic study on athletes' diets-- each of which was analyzed, with feedback given. The Salt Ingestion study was sent to Dr. Dale Speedy -- an exercise scientist from New Zealand -- to be analyzed. The Sports Science Institute is in the final stages of its analysis. The most common question asked was about cramping and salt intake: Some athletes who experienced cramping were given salt tablets to ingest. Afterwards they were asked if this helped (generally their replies were that yes, they feel better). For the 2001 event there will be a few selected athletes chosen by the SSI for more research where the fluid intake will be monitored at the start of the event; at the end of the bike; at the start of the run; again during the run; and at the end of the event. SPORTSMED DEVELOPMENTS FOR IM SA 2001 Continous reporting for TV and Internet viewers of exact location, speed heart rate etc. of some selected participants Auto sensing and reporting of amount of fluid intake during the cycle and run Some new tests, including regular testing of weight to determine hydration levels etc OTHER TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS FOR IM SA 2001 Multiple web cams for extensive race coverage via the Internet Pre race web cam viewing of the build up to the event, including web cams in the race hotel foyer and at the race briefings. Regular progress monitoring for all participants, allowing internet and mobiles Short message service based enquiries and updates for friends and family around the world Immediate reporting of name, country, time and position in age group on big screens at the finish and just before the finish Long range high speed transponders on bikes, without requiring mats – the normal chips will be used especially for the swim, transition and run, using the bike transponders will allow more timing points to be set up, allowing us to time various sections etc. Participants will receive a detailed post race report indicating more than normal information, such as many split times, weight change during the race progress, etc.